Patsy Ann Burnette Riddle, age 87 , of the Pensacola Community, went Home to be with the Lord surrounded by her loving family on Wednesday, March 4th, 2026. A native of Yancey County, she was a daughter of the late Cecil and Louise Adams Burnette. In addition to her parents she was also preceded in death by an infant daughter, Nicole Riddle; brothers: Earl, Leon and Charles Burnette; sisters: Wilma Wilson, Bernice McMahan and Nancy Silver.
Patsy retired from the Yancey County Health Department, where she faithfully served her community with dedication and compassion for many years. Her work reflected her genuine care for others. A devoted and faithful member of Low Gap Free Will Baptist Church, Patsy loved the Lord deeply and lived her life as a testament to her faith. She was a godly woman who remained steadfast in her church, always willing to serve wherever there was a need. Above all, Patsy treasured her family. She especially adored her grandchildren, who brought immeasurable joy to her life.
She was an avid daylily grower and took great pride in her flowers. Many evenings, you could find her relaxing with a bowl of ice cream, sharing it with her beloved dog, “Skeeter”. She also cherished traveling to Cades Cove each year with her husband and trips with her sisters. Patsy was known for her warm smile and welcoming spirit. She never met a stranger and had a way of making everyone feel like family.
Left to cherish her memory is her loving husband of 73 years, Bobby Ray Riddle; sons, Bobby Lee Riddle, Randy Riddle (Michelle) and Ronny Riddle (Shelly) all of Burnsville; grandchildren: Lynn Riddle, Luke Riddle, Casey Davis (Bo), Candace Degman (Dustin), Landry Riddle, Cierra Riddle (Bradley), Stormy Chandler (Casey), Montana Whitson (Jordan) and Chloe Riddle; 15 great-grandchildren; sisters: Brenda Robinson (Frank) and Peggy Harris; brothers: Donald Burnette (Peggy), Ray Burnette (Norma) and Lawrence “Pudgy” Burnette (Ponda). Several nieces, nephews and extended family also survive.
Funeral Services will be held at 2 p.m. on Friday, March 6th, 2026 at Low Gap Freewill Baptist Church. Rev. Blain Whitson. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the services at the church. Burial will follow in the Silvers- and Riddle Cemetery located off of Bee Branch Road.
In lieu of flowers memorial donations can be made to Hospice of the Blue Ridge as a special thank you to all the staff for the wonderful care provided to Patsy during her final days.
To send donations or condolences to the family, please visit our website at www.yanceyfuneralservice.com.